Animal cruelty cases on the rise

Tuesday

A recent report of animal cruelty toward a male Dachshund has ushered in a need for awareness of the conditions which can put the health of a pet into jeopardy.

Reports of animal cruelty vary, but a common form of abuse happens every day in back yards across the country. Animal neglect is the No. 1 form of animal cruelty in the United States, officials report.

Earlier this month, La Junta Police were called to investigate the living conditions of a young male Dachshund when a neighbor noticed the unhealthy living conditions the animal was subjected to.

From a police report filed July 1, eyewitnesses “found the dog to have no shelter, edible food or water. … Also found the dog's chain to be wrapped around his collar instead of clipped to it, which appeared to cause the animal’s pain."

In many cases, animals are abused unintentionally through circumstances of ignorance or unintended neglect.

Neglect is defined as “people not providing adequate care for animals in their charge.” This can range from leaving animals tethered in a tight radius, consistently neglecting to feed and water the animal, failing to provide adequate shelter or failing to seek veterinary care when an animal needs medical attention.

Animal cruelty is a Class 1 misdemeanor, which can result in a fine of up to $5,000 and a sentence of 18 months in prison. Colorado statutes contain a second offense provision requiring a mandatory sentence.

La Junta Tribune Democrat

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